'79 Formula 255 Liberator Update

[sprink58]

Finally got the old transom assemblies and Y pipes out of the boat today.

I was very pleased to see that there was no transom rot and every thing is dry.

I do have a technical question...will my existing steering cable work with an Alpha/Bravo steering ram?

[86242ls]

yes, your existing steering cable will work...

[sprink58]

yes, your existing steering cable will work...

That's the answer I was looking for...thanks.

[sprink58]

Got up this AM and decided today was the day.

[IMG][/IMG]

Prepared and cleaned up the transom cut outs where the old No. 1's had been

[IMG][/IMG]


Set the template...courtesy of Marc Berman at BAM

[IMG][/IMG]

I used this drill guide that I picked up at Harbour Freight for $20. Call me an engineering nerd...I wanted the angle for the 2: new top holes to be correct.

[IMG][/IMG]


Got port side mounted.

[IMG][/IMG]

Now starboard.

[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

I wonder how many Formula 255 Liberators have Bravo Set Ups? Looks very serious compared to No 1/Alpha...very serious.

This little project is moving right along folks....stay tuned for steering ram, Bravo couplers and bell housings....next thing you know it will time to feed the bilge a pair of Vortecs

[mach1magnum]

nice job keep up the good work

[Sideskraft]

Looks great John -- now the outdrives aren't dwarfed by that huge transom. It's looking like a factory setup. I saw some yellow around the holes -- was that the original gelcoat color?

[sprink58]

Looks great John -- now the outdrives aren't dwarfed by that huge transom. It's looking like a factory setup. I saw some yellow around the holes -- was that the original gelcoat color?

Yep...it was a Yellow 'Bird.

I set these Bravo TA's next to the originals for comparison...the difference is dramatic to say the least...in as much as the comparison of the Alpha and Bravo drives.

I have to say...this isn't the hardest thing I have ever done but an extra set of hands would have been a big help. If you don't have significant upper body strength...don't attempt this without help or a transmission jack to raise the TA into place. It's an arm load to say the least.

As I said previously...putting things in as opposed to removing them is a lot more fun.

[bowlner]

glad to see what your doing to your 255, kinda jealous sprinks. i hope to get mine back in the water this year. i had the portside drive fail on me last 4th O july. keep up the good work. can't wait to hear on here how it does WOT on the water! should youtube a video of that.

[sprink58]

glad to see what your doing to your 255, kinda jealous sprinks. i hope to get mine back in the water this year. i had the portside drive fail on me last 4th O july. keep up the good work. can't wait to hear on here how it does WOT on the water! should youtube a video of that.

Thanks for your thoughts...hopefully we can all take some info from this one.

I have a few friends I work with that manage our Video/CCTV division that have mentioned doing something...stay tuned...got a bit to go yet.

[machloosy]

Nice swim platform gotta say the transom looks waaaay better. And definitely looks factory! Keep it up.